Gib Garrow

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Gilbert (Gib) Garrow, age 66 of Neosho, MO passed away on Thursday, November 7th, 2013 at KU Medical Center after waging a courageous battle against leukemia for four weeks.

Gib was born on February 26, 1947 in New London, WI to George and Lila (Clinton) Garrow. Gib was one of eight children. At a young age Gib’s family moved to South Dakota where he graduated from High School in Lennox, SD. He moved to Miami, OK in 1970 and worked as an electric lineman for the City of Miami. In 1971 he met Sherrie McIntosh and they married on September 2, 1972 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In 1973, Gib and Sherrie moved to Wilburton, OK where he worked as a lineman for Public Service Company of Oklahoma. While in Wilburton, Gib became a member of the Wilburton Jaycees serving in several local offices before being elected as a Regional V.P. for Southeast Oklahoma. The next year he served as Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Jaycees and in 1978-79 was elected President of the Oklahoma Jaycees. In 1979-80 Gib was elected one of 10 National Vice Presidents of the U.S. Jaycees. Gib was unanimously elected National President of the U.S. Jaycees in June of 1980. He and Sherrie moved to Tulsa, OK where the Jaycee national headquarters and President’s home was located. That year he traveled to forty-eight states for Jaycee meetings and several foreign countries.

Following his Jaycee career Gib and family moved to Skiatook, OK where they operated a Shelter Insurance Agency. In December of 1985 Gib accepted the position of Executive Vice President of the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce. A few years later he became the Economic Development Director for the Chamber and Newton County. Gib served on several local, regional and state committees representing Neosho and Newton County.

Gib enjoyed going crappie fishing and going to dirt track stock car races. He loved spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and watching the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of St. Canera Catholic Church.

Gib is survived by his wife Sherrie, daughter, Sydney Angel and spouse T. J. Angel of Neosho, MO, son Gabriel (Gabe) Garrow of Olathe, KS; grandchildren Emma and Tate Angel of Neosho; brothers, Gerald (Jerry) Garrow of Joplin, MO, and William (Bill) Garrow and Kathy of Sapulpa, OK; sisters, Debbie House and Keith of Collinsville, OK and Dianne Garrow and life partner Krissy Konkol of Lakewood, CO; mother-in-law, Lois McIntosh and sister-in-law, Susie Belcher and Jim both of Miami, OK and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lila Garrow, sister, Katherine (Katy) Butler and brothers, Leonard Garrow and Lowell (Shorty) Garrow and father-in-law Randall McIntosh.

Gib was dedicated to his family and serving his community. He will be missed by many.